Arlington dentists know that a mouth examination can reveal troubles in other parts of the patient’s body. Because many diseases manifest in soft tissues of the mouth or cause pain in the jaw, dentists often refer patients to their medical doctor for further diagnosis when they encounter issues such as inflammation, chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, or jaw pain.
Healthcare providers may soon have another oral diagnostic tool for detecting systemic diseases – a test that analyzes the molecules in saliva.
“UCLA researchers are working on a test that could have the ability to diagnose diseases like diabetes and cancer. It’s conceivable that dentists will soon be able to take saliva samples that can be tested for numerous diseases. And if that happens, disease diagnosis will be much simpler for all parties.”1
At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Stephen Ratcliff helps patients maintain optimum oral health and unforgettable smiles with advanced cosmetic dentistry. However, Dr. Ratcliff understands how the state of your dental health affects the rest of your body. You can think of Dr. Ratcliff as an indispensable member of your complete healthcare team who is dedicated to your overall health and well-being.
If you are in need of dental care, we invite you to schedule an examination and cleaning by calling Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Some of our most popular treatments at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry include dental implants, dentures, and porcelain veneers. We also do oral cancer screening.
1Saliva Test May Uncover Deadly Diseases, Dentistry Today (citing an article in Clinical Chemistry, clinchem.org), November 6, 2014, https://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/10711-saliva-test-may-uncover-deadly-diseases, accessed on December 19, 2014
Contact Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
817-274-7875
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013
